Mohammad Asghar, known by many as Oscar, sadly passed away earlier this year but was the first BAME Member of the Welsh Parliament and represented South Wales East for 13 years. The Mohammad Asghar Memorial Fund will be used to support Welsh Conservative BAME candidates standing for election to the Welsh Parliament.
Commenting on the Memorial Fund, Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, Paul Davies MS said:
"Oscar was my friend, colleague and a stalwart of the Welsh Conservative Party. Oscar broke down barriers to make life better for everyone. I want to lead a diverse team into the Welsh Parliament elections next year that represents the diversity of the whole of Wales and who want to make a difference to their communities and to people’s lives. However, the cost of being a candidate should not prevent someone standing for election and I hope that this fund will not only help BAME candidates to contribute proactively to the election campaign but to continue Oscar’s name and dedication to Welsh public service.”
The Welsh Conservative Diversity Champion, Suzy Davies MS, added:
"Oscar was committed to ending division in our society by talking to different religious groups and different sections of the community getting them to work together. People from BAME backgrounds make up around 4% of the people of Wales, it is right and essential that their voices are heard in the home of democracy in Wales. I would encourage anyone who wants to stand to apply and join myself and Paul Davies in ensuring a devolution revolution in Wales."
Purpose:
To assist Welsh Conservative candidates from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds seeking election to the Welsh Parliament.
Eligibility:
All BAME candidates who can demonstrate the need for financial support with the costs of being a candidate. Maximum grant £250, claimable upon remittance of receipts/invoices for reimbursement. Only one grant awarded to each candidate per election.
How to apply:
All applications are in writing to Paul Davies MS, Leader of the Opposition in the Welsh Parliament, and should be emailed to info@welshconservatives.com or posted to CCHQ Wales, 5 Pro-Copy Business Centre, Parc Ty Glas, Cardiff, CF14 5DU.
Applications to stand as a candidate:
To apply to be a Welsh Conservative candidate please email info@welshconservatives.com.